As the EU’s second-largest industrial producer and one of Europe’s largest economies, Italy continues to offer significant opportunities for Swedish companies. A strong industrial base, extensive supplier and distributor networks, and ongoing investments linked to the green and digital transitions make Italy an attractive market across multiple sectors.
At the same time, companies report a demanding operating environment. Regulatory complexity, corporate taxation, bureaucracy, and slower economic growth continue to affect competitiveness and investment decisions. Companies also highlight digitalisation and administrative processes as ongoing challenges.
Cooperation between Sweden and Italy remains strong across sectors such as industrial equipment, healthcare, life sciences, energy, consumer goods, and business services. Italy’s continued investments in innovation, sustainability, infrastructure, and industrial modernisation create opportunities for Swedish companies offering sustainable and high-value solutions.
Competitiveness in Italy is closely linked to cost efficiency, sales competence, partnerships, and strong local relationships. The Swedish brand continues to be associated with quality, innovation, sustainability, and reliability.
Italy is widely regarded as a mature and attractive market with strong supplier networks, high levels of personal safety, and a substantial industrial customer base. However, companies continue to point to corporate taxation, regulatory barriers, and administrative complexity as key challenges.
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ABOUT THE SURVEY
To assess the opportunities and challenges faced by Swedish companies in international markets, Team Sweden conducts annual Business Climate Surveys across multiple markets worldwide. This year’s survey in Italy includes responses from 49 Swedish companies operating in the country. Industrial companies represent a significant share of respondents, while professional services and consumer companies also make up a considerable share. The majority of respondents have been active in Italy for more than five years.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all participating companies and respondents for their contributions to this report. Team Sweden in Italy hopes that the findings will serve as a basis for continued dialogue with Italian authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
